Quick Overview
- 1#1: Tailwind TMS - Tailwind TMS is a cloud-based transportation management system designed specifically for freight brokers to streamline dispatch, billing, CRM, and carrier management.
- 2#2: Rose Rocket - Rose Rocket offers an all-in-one freight brokerage platform integrating operations, CRM, accounting, and EDI for efficient broker workflows.
- 3#3: Axon Software - Axon provides comprehensive freight broker software with dispatch, accounting, reporting, and customer management tools tailored for brokerage operations.
- 4#4: McLeod Software - McLeod PowerBroker delivers robust TMS capabilities for freight brokers, including advanced load planning, EDI, and financial integration.
- 5#5: Aljex Software - Aljex is a broker-focused TMS featuring order entry, carrier management, billing, and real-time tracking for freight brokerage.
- 6#6: DAT - DAT provides load boards, rate intelligence, and broker TMS tools to help find loads, negotiate rates, and manage freight operations.
- 7#7: Truckstop - Truckstop offers load boards, carrier vetting, rate insights, and brokerage tools to optimize freight matching and decision-making.
- 8#8: Tai Software - Tai TMS supports freight brokers with modular tools for brokerage management, fleet dispatch, EDI, and analytics.
- 9#9: 3G-TMS - 3G-TMS is an enterprise transportation management system enabling brokers to handle complex freight operations, optimization, and execution.
- 10#10: MercuryGate - MercuryGate offers a cloud TMS platform for freight brokers with multi-modal support, optimization, and global visibility features.
Tools were selected based on comprehensive feature sets, user-friendly design, proven reliability, and overall value, ensuring they meet the diverse needs of modern freight brokerage operations.
Comparison Table
Freight broker software is critical for optimizing logistics operations, and this comparison table explores top tools like Tailwind TMS, Rose Rocket, Axon Software, McLeod Software, Aljex Software, and more, detailing their key features and strengths. Readers will learn how to match specific business needs with the right software to enhance efficiency and scalability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tailwind TMS Tailwind TMS is a cloud-based transportation management system designed specifically for freight brokers to streamline dispatch, billing, CRM, and carrier management. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Rose Rocket Rose Rocket offers an all-in-one freight brokerage platform integrating operations, CRM, accounting, and EDI for efficient broker workflows. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Axon Software Axon provides comprehensive freight broker software with dispatch, accounting, reporting, and customer management tools tailored for brokerage operations. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | McLeod Software McLeod PowerBroker delivers robust TMS capabilities for freight brokers, including advanced load planning, EDI, and financial integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Aljex Software Aljex is a broker-focused TMS featuring order entry, carrier management, billing, and real-time tracking for freight brokerage. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | DAT DAT provides load boards, rate intelligence, and broker TMS tools to help find loads, negotiate rates, and manage freight operations. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Truckstop Truckstop offers load boards, carrier vetting, rate insights, and brokerage tools to optimize freight matching and decision-making. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Tai Software Tai TMS supports freight brokers with modular tools for brokerage management, fleet dispatch, EDI, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | 3G-TMS 3G-TMS is an enterprise transportation management system enabling brokers to handle complex freight operations, optimization, and execution. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | MercuryGate MercuryGate offers a cloud TMS platform for freight brokers with multi-modal support, optimization, and global visibility features. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
Tailwind TMS is a cloud-based transportation management system designed specifically for freight brokers to streamline dispatch, billing, CRM, and carrier management.
Rose Rocket offers an all-in-one freight brokerage platform integrating operations, CRM, accounting, and EDI for efficient broker workflows.
Axon provides comprehensive freight broker software with dispatch, accounting, reporting, and customer management tools tailored for brokerage operations.
McLeod PowerBroker delivers robust TMS capabilities for freight brokers, including advanced load planning, EDI, and financial integration.
Aljex is a broker-focused TMS featuring order entry, carrier management, billing, and real-time tracking for freight brokerage.
DAT provides load boards, rate intelligence, and broker TMS tools to help find loads, negotiate rates, and manage freight operations.
Truckstop offers load boards, carrier vetting, rate insights, and brokerage tools to optimize freight matching and decision-making.
Tai TMS supports freight brokers with modular tools for brokerage management, fleet dispatch, EDI, and analytics.
3G-TMS is an enterprise transportation management system enabling brokers to handle complex freight operations, optimization, and execution.
MercuryGate offers a cloud TMS platform for freight brokers with multi-modal support, optimization, and global visibility features.
Tailwind TMS
specializedTailwind TMS is a cloud-based transportation management system designed specifically for freight brokers to streamline dispatch, billing, CRM, and carrier management.
Digital Carrier Packets for instant, paperless onboarding and compliance management
Tailwind TMS is a cloud-based transportation management system tailored for freight brokers, offering end-to-end automation from load booking and carrier management to invoicing and reporting. It features digital carrier packets, real-time ETAs, integrated accounting, and seamless factoring partnerships to streamline brokerage operations. With a mobile app for on-the-go access and robust CRM tools, it empowers brokers to scale efficiently without complex setups.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick onboarding under 30 minutes
- Comprehensive broker-specific tools like digital carrier vetting and auto-invoicing
- Strong integrations with load boards, QuickBooks, and factoring companies
Cons
- Advanced analytics require higher-tier plans
- Limited customization for highly niche workflows
- Mobile app lacks some desktop-level reporting
Best For
Growing freight brokerages seeking an all-in-one, user-friendly TMS to handle high-volume loads without IT overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $299/month for basic plan (up to 5 users), scales to $999+/month for enterprise with unlimited users and premium features; custom quotes available.
Rose Rocket
specializedRose Rocket offers an all-in-one freight brokerage platform integrating operations, CRM, accounting, and EDI for efficient broker workflows.
Broker-specific automated billing and accounting that syncs directly with dispatch for quickfactor invoicing
Rose Rocket is a cloud-based transportation management system (TMS) designed specifically for freight brokers, 3PLs, and trucking companies. It provides end-to-end functionality including quoting, dispatching, load tracking, CRM, automated billing, and accounting integration. The platform emphasizes automation, real-time visibility, and scalability to streamline broker operations and improve profitability.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform covering dispatch, CRM, and accounting
- Strong automation for invoicing, EDI, and payments
- Excellent integrations with load boards and real-time GPS tracking
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small brokers
- Initial setup and customization require time
- Mobile app lacks some desktop feature parity
Best For
Mid-sized freight brokers and 3PLs needing scalable automation and integrated financial tools.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $150/user/month for core plans, with enterprise tiers for advanced features.
Axon Software
enterpriseAxon provides comprehensive freight broker software with dispatch, accounting, reporting, and customer management tools tailored for brokerage operations.
Fully integrated accounting and ERP within the TMS, eliminating the need for separate financial software
Axon Software is a comprehensive transportation management system (TMS) designed specifically for freight brokers, 3PLs, and carriers, offering end-to-end management of loads from acquisition to settlement. It features robust dispatching tools, EDI integration for seamless carrier communication, automated billing, and integrated accounting to streamline financial operations. With customizable reporting and CRM capabilities, Axon helps users optimize efficiency and profitability in freight brokerage.
Pros
- Deep integration of TMS, billing, and accounting for seamless operations
- Strong EDI and load board integrations for efficient carrier management
- Highly customizable reports and dashboards tailored to brokerage needs
Cons
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern cloud-native competitors
- Steeper learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- Pricing may be high for very small brokers with low volume
Best For
Mid-sized freight brokers and 3PLs needing an all-in-one platform with robust financial and operational tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $300-$600 per user/month depending on modules and volume.
McLeod Software
enterpriseMcLeod PowerBroker delivers robust TMS capabilities for freight brokers, including advanced load planning, EDI, and financial integration.
PowerBroker module providing seamless end-to-end brokerage workflow with built-in accounting and automated settlements
McLeod Software delivers a comprehensive Transportation Management System (TMS) designed specifically for freight brokers, 3PLs, and carriers, streamlining operations from load tendering and carrier sourcing to dispatch, billing, and settlements. It excels in handling truckload, LTL, and intermodal freight with robust EDI capabilities, rate management, and integrated accounting. The platform offers real-time visibility, advanced reporting, and automation tools to optimize profitability and efficiency in high-volume brokerage environments.
Pros
- All-in-one platform integrating dispatch, accounting, CRM, and settlements
- Extensive EDI support and large carrier network access
- Powerful analytics and lane profitability tools for data-driven decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for new users
- High upfront implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Less ideal for very small brokers due to scalability focus
Best For
Mid-to-large freight brokers and 3PLs needing a scalable, enterprise-grade TMS with deep operational and financial integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $150-$400 per user/month with additional one-time implementation fees starting at $50,000+ and annual support contracts.
Aljex Software
specializedAljex is a broker-focused TMS featuring order entry, carrier management, billing, and real-time tracking for freight brokerage.
Fully integrated brokerage accounting that automates AR/AP, settlements, and financial reporting in one platform
Aljex Software is a comprehensive Transportation Management System (TMS) designed specifically for freight brokers and third-party logistics providers (3PLs). It streamlines operations from load board integration and carrier management to dispatching, tracking, and automated billing. The platform emphasizes back-office functionality with built-in accounting, EDI capabilities, and reporting tools to support scalable brokerage growth.
Pros
- Robust integrated accounting and invoicing tailored for brokers
- Strong EDI and carrier portal for efficient communication
- Scalable for mid-to-large operations with advanced reporting
Cons
- Dated user interface with a steep learning curve
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller brokerages
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to modern competitors
Best For
Mid-sized freight brokerages needing a reliable all-in-one TMS with deep accounting integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $100-$200 per user/month depending on volume and modules.
DAT
specializedDAT provides load boards, rate intelligence, and broker TMS tools to help find loads, negotiate rates, and manage freight operations.
RateView: Industry-leading historical and real-time rate analytics with lane-specific benchmarking and trend forecasting.
DAT (dat.com) is a leading freight marketplace platform offering the industry's largest load board and truck board for brokers, carriers, and shippers. It provides real-time access to millions of daily load and truck postings, enabling brokers to find capacity, post loads, and book directly. Key tools include RateView for historical and spot rate benchmarking, market trend analytics, and capacity insights to support informed decision-making in freight brokerage.
Pros
- Vast database with millions of daily loads and trucks for unmatched market visibility
- Powerful RateView and analytics for rate benchmarking and trends
- Direct load booking, posting, and carrier vetting tools
Cons
- Outdated, clunky user interface that feels less intuitive
- High costs for full feature access, especially premium analytics
- Steep learning curve and occasional spam/low-quality postings
Best For
Established freight brokers needing deep market intelligence and high-volume load matching over a modern UI.
Pricing
Starts at $45/month for basic rate tools; Load Board ~$140/month, RateView ~$110/month extra; bundles and enterprise pricing from $200+/month per user.
Truckstop
specializedTruckstop offers load boards, carrier vetting, rate insights, and brokerage tools to optimize freight matching and decision-making.
Carrier Snapshot for instant, detailed carrier vetting with authority, insurance, and safety scores
Truckstop (truckstop.com) is a comprehensive freight marketplace platform primarily serving brokers with a massive load board for posting and searching loads and trucks. It includes advanced carrier vetting tools, rate insights via RateMate, integrated payments with QuickPay, and mobile apps for real-time communication. The platform also offers bookkeeping audits and market analytics to help brokers negotiate better rates and manage operations efficiently.
Pros
- Extensive load board with high volume of daily postings
- Robust carrier vetting including real-time insurance checks
- Seamless payments and QuickPay integration
Cons
- Pricing can escalate with add-ons and credits
- Interface feels cluttered for beginners
- Occasional performance issues during peak times
Best For
Mid-to-large freight brokers needing a high-volume load board and strong carrier compliance tools.
Pricing
Plans start at $169/month for basic access; premium tiers up to $599/month, plus pay-per-use credits for postings and advanced searches.
Tai Software
enterpriseTai TMS supports freight brokers with modular tools for brokerage management, fleet dispatch, EDI, and analytics.
Tai Marketplace, an integrated platform for real-time load posting, carrier bidding, and matching.
Tai Software provides Tai360, a comprehensive Transportation Management System (TMS) tailored for freight brokers, 3PLs, and carriers. It handles end-to-end operations including load management, carrier vetting, EDI integrations, automated billing, and real-time tracking. The platform emphasizes broker-carrier relationships through its built-in marketplace and compliance tools, making it suitable for streamlining freight brokerage workflows.
Pros
- Strong carrier management and compliance tracking
- Integrated marketplace for load posting and sourcing
- Robust EDI and accounting integrations
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Limited AI-driven automation compared to top competitors
- Customization options require developer support
Best For
Mid-sized freight brokers seeking a reliable all-in-one TMS with strong marketplace capabilities.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on users and volume; typically $150-300 per user/month with enterprise quotes available.
3G-TMS
enterprise3G-TMS is an enterprise transportation management system enabling brokers to handle complex freight operations, optimization, and execution.
OptiMarket: AI-driven spot market platform for automated carrier bidding and real-time rate negotiation.
3G-TMS is a cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) tailored for freight brokers, 3PLs, and shippers, offering end-to-end visibility from quoting and booking to tracking, billing, and settlements. It leverages AI-driven optimization for load planning, carrier selection, and rate management, with strong EDI integrations and a vast carrier network. The platform emphasizes real-time collaboration and automation to streamline freight brokerage operations.
Pros
- Robust AI-powered optimization for rate shopping and load tendering
- Extensive carrier network and real-time visibility tools
- Comprehensive EDI integrations and automated billing/settlements
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to feature depth
- Pricing lacks transparency and is quote-based only
- Limited mobile app functionality compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized freight brokers and 3PLs needing scalable automation and carrier optimization without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $500/month for basic plans, scaling with volume, users, and modules; requires demo for details.
MercuryGate
enterpriseMercuryGate offers a cloud TMS platform for freight brokers with multi-modal support, optimization, and global visibility features.
Proprietary Dynamic Planning Engine for real-time load optimization and cost savings across modes
MercuryGate is a robust, cloud-based Transportation Management System (TMS) tailored for freight brokers, shippers, and carriers, offering end-to-end visibility and control over multi-modal freight operations. It excels in load optimization, carrier management, rate negotiation, real-time tracking, and advanced analytics to streamline brokerage workflows. The platform supports buy/sell rate management and customer portals, making it ideal for scaling brokerages handling complex shipments.
Pros
- Powerful multi-modal optimization and planning engine
- Comprehensive carrier and rate management tools
- Strong analytics dashboard with actionable insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Pricing can be high for small brokers
- Implementation requires significant setup time
Best For
Mid-to-large freight brokers managing high-volume, multi-modal shipments that require advanced optimization and analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $50,000+ annually depending on modules, users, and volume.
Conclusion
The reviewed freight broker software presents a diverse set of solutions, each designed to enhance key operational functions like dispatch, billing, and carrier management. At the apex, Tailwind TMS distinguishes itself as the top choice, boasting integrated tools for seamless workflow management. Rose Rocket and Axon Software follow closely, offering compelling alternatives for those prioritizing comprehensive EDI capabilities or modular customization, respectively. Together, these tools highlight the depth of options available for optimizing brokerage operations.
Take the next step toward more efficient freight management by exploring Tailwind TMS, the leading solution in this review, to experience its streamlined processes firsthand.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison